Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India, stating that India has been a natural ally and partner for decades, and also highlighted the Soviet Union’s role in India’s independence. The Russian President said that India deserves to be counted among the global powers, as it has a population of 1.5 billion, the fastest growth rate among the world’s major economies, an ancient culture, and excellent prospects for further development.
During a program on November 5, President Putin accepted the credentials of new foreign ambassadors in Moscow. In his speech, he praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and described India and Russia as “strategic partners”. According to Russian state media, in his address to the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Putin called India a great country and said that Moscow and New Delhi are expanding cooperation in all areas.
As per the TASS news outlet, President Putin said at the Valdai Discussion Club session, “We are developing our relations with India in all directions. India is a great country. Its GDP is growing at a rate of 7.4%.”
The news agency quoted Putin as saying that their approach to how and at what pace their partnership will develop is based on the realities of today. Their cooperation is continuously growing. Putin also recalled the Soviet Union’s role in India’s declaration of independence, which he said has created unique ties of quality and trust between the two countries. He stated, “This is the basis for us to develop bilateral relations in all dimensions.” Putin said that bilateral trade is close to $60 billion.
The Russian President said that India deserves to be counted among the global powers, as it has a population of 1.5 billion, the fastest growth rate among the world’s major economies, an ancient culture, and excellent prospects for further development.
